During Monday’s Congressional Hearing at the state Capitol in Charleston, W.Va., Jimmy Gianato, third from left, director of Homeland Security & Emergency Management for the state of West Virginia, reads a statement regarding the chemical leak at Freedom Industries’ tank facility in Charleston, W.Va. The incident contaminated drinking water for more than 300,000 West Virginia residents. State, local and industry officials appeared before U.S. Representative Bill Shuster, R-Pa., chairman of the House transportation committee. Several West Virginia lawmakers joined Shuster. including U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall, D-W.Va., the ranking Democrat on the committee, U.S. Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., and U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster, R-Fla. both members of the committee. U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., was allowed to join the hearing and ask questions.
